Paul and Janet's Travel Story

Tuesday 6th May Atlanta to Smoky Mountains Tennessee

UNITED KINGDOM | Tuesday, 6 May 2008 | Views [56]

Tuesday morning began with us opening our bedroom doors overlooking the lake to find it like a millpond, another beautiful morning. John then arrived with the laptop, on which he had both our daughters on Skype. It was good to talk to Lucy and Ethan, and Nicola and Holly, and to see Daniel, and to know that they are all well and everything is OK at home. It was then all hands on deck to get breakfast, get it cleared away, our cases packed, all kitchen items packed away, the house left tidy and everything in the car ready for our long journey to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee.

We were sorry to leave our ‘lake house’ it was such a beautiful setting with outstanding views, in an area of natural beauty, full of sumptuous houses both by the lake and in the woodland. We had enjoyed our time there, and enjoyed meeting Mel, Jody and Rachel next door, as always it is sad to leave new found friends. But leave we had to and we were on the road by 10.30am

We covered almost 250 miles in 7 hours with frequent stops, including one at the Tennessee Border Information Office where the people were very helpful and gave us leaflets and advice for our journey and our stay in Tennessee. Just as we crossed into Tennessee we stopped at the Chickamauga Dam which is a hydro electric dam on the Tennessee River, which is part of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Some fisherman were on the banks of the river pulling fish out as fast as they could cast their lines, with lots of Great Blue Herons (Paul counted over 20) on standby for any easy pickings. We also stopped at Hardees for our lunch (armed with some money off vouchers which Carolyn had acquired).

We arrived at Wyndham Resort at Sevierville and were checked into our three bedroom, two bathroom apartment on the third floor of one of the many apartment blocks in this area. We have wonderful views overlooking the Smoky Mountains, and a very well appointed apartment. See www.wyndhamvacationresorts.com/ffr/resort/details.do?id=0044er After getting the apartment in order, found homes for all the kitchen items and unpacked our cases, we were all ready for a glass of wine and some popcorn which Carolyn cooked. We were all pleased to have a relaxing time after our long journey and took the opportunity to discuss our plans for the next few days. We also checked our flights on Friday both from Charlotte to Chicago and on to Heathrow. The boys all went off to get some Buffalo Wings for supper, which they successfully came home with. But the trip to Wal-Mart for wine was again unsuccessful – they are not allowed by State Law to sell wine. Under Tennessee law you have to go to an ABC Store (Alcoholic Beverage Control) to purchase wine. Tomorrow we shall have to go boot legging across the State Line as there are different laws in North Carolina!! More about this tomorrow.

The evening was rounded off with a game of Rummikub, which we all enjoyed – a win for the girls this time.

Great Fun, Great Friendship.